In many cases, the songs of Spring 2012’s runways were more progressive and interesting than the styles the designers were introducing for the season. As always, a handful of select beatmakers, like Michel Gaubert and Frédéric Sanchez, handle the biggest shows, curating a specific mood and aural environment for each event. For Spring 2012, beat-driven electronics, both new (Gui Borotto, Little Dragon, Planningtorock) and new-sounding (Aphex Twin, James Murphy’s take on a synth classic) littered the catwalks. But dreamy females like Florence Welch, Feist, a reimagined Stevie Nicks, and U.K. newcomer Emeli Sandé also christened the fashion stages, with Welch performing her recent single “What The Water Gave Me” live at Chanel’s spectacle. We visit some of the catwalk’s most prominent and memorable songs for the Spring 2012 collections:

1. Planningtorock: “Living It Out”Heard At: Suno.Fashion Cred:Planningtorock’s music was also on the runways at Paco Rabanne’s sci-fi show; Janine Rostron, the Berlin-based singer who records as Planningtorock, attracts her own share of style attention thanks to her dramatic image – which includes prosthetics. Hear It Now:

2. Oppenheimer Analysis: “Devil’s Dancers (James Murphy 2011 Version)“Heard At: Gerlan Jeans and Mandy CoonFashion Cred: James Murphy and designer Mandy Coon used to be married. He is still one of the New York City fashion scene’s most in-demand event DJs. Hear It Now: Hear Murphy’s “Beats In Space” (featuring this version) here.

5. Little Dragon – “Ritual Union”Heard At: Tommy HilfigerFashion Cred:The track “Nightlight” was also played on Paul Smith’s runway this season and Mulberry snagged the group for the latest installation of the brand’s Mixtape Tour. Hear It Now:Song | Show

8. Creep: “Days”Heard At:Monique LhuillierFashion Cred: Lauren Flax and Lauren Dillard, the women behind production duo Creep, have already earned accolades for their tenebrous visual while a stylish black and white video collaboration with Nina Sky earned them heavy buzz. Hear It Now: Song | Show

9. John Maus: “Believer“Heard At: SportmaxFashion Cred:In their Designer Playlist for Rolling Stone, Costello Tagliapietra hailed Maus as one of their favorite artists. Hear It Now: Song | Show

10. Aphex Twin: “Icct Hedral (Philip Glass Instrumental)”Heard At: Balenciaga Fashion Cred: Aphex Twin’s twisted and intelligent beats continue to be a runway favorite; every season selections from his vast body of work pepper the catwalk, much to the enjoyment of front row audiophiles and to the chagrin of elitist IDM fans. Hear It Now: Song | Show

11. Emeli Sandé: “Heaven”Heard At:Christian DiorFashion Cred: The up and coming U.K. singer already scored an enviable crossover gig playing Emporio Armani’s Fashion’s Night Out in New York this year. Hear It Now:Song | Show

13. MNDR: “Cut Me Out”Heard At: Stella McCartneyFashion Cred: The distinctive oversized eyewear sported by MNDR’s Amanda Warner also happens to be a runway trend this season. Unsurprisingly, the brassy track has already proven popular at fashion parties. Hear It Now : Song | Show

14. Feist: “A Commotion”Heard At: ValentinoFashion Cred:Leslie Feist charms with her kittenish personal style, seen in her videos and onstage. Her latest look channels perennial French fashion icon and singer, Jane Birkin.Hear It Now: Song | Show

15. Florence and the Machine: “What The Water Gave Me”Heard At: Performed live at Chanel The Gift That Keeps On Giving: Florence Welch and Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld enjoy a singer/music relationship; he recently styled her for a full-fledged Jazz Age themed shoot.

Stream the Chanel Spring 2012 runway show, including Florence and the Machine’s performance: